Labor Day
Labor Day Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: April 14, 2026
Movie Overview: Labor Day
| Movie | Labor Day |
| Release Year | 2013 |
| Director | Jason Reitman |
| Genre | Drama / Romance / Thriller |
| Runtime | 111 minutes |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Labor Day (2013) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.0/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Labor Day are led by Kate Winslet . The supporting cast, including Josh Brolin and Gattlin Griffith , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
Labor Day stands out as a strong entry in the Drama genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Drama narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Labor Day has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Drama fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Labor Day
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2013, Labor Day is a Drama, Romance, Thriller film directed by Jason Reitman. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Kate Winslet.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. Two strangers are drawn together under incredible circumstances. What starts as an unforeseen encounter over a long holiday weekend soon becomes a second chance love story. The screenplay takes time to develop Kate Winslet's journey, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Kate Winslet's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's core themes.
Ending Explained: Labor Day
Labor Day Ending Explained: Directed by Jason Reitman, Labor Day resolves its central conflicts in a coherent and engaging way. The ending highlights the core drama themes developed throughout the film.
The final twist encourages viewers to reconsider earlier moments in the story, particularly in scenes involving Kate Winslet. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The main storyline reaches a clear conclusion.
- Character Development: The central characters complete meaningful arcs.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the drama themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of Labor Day reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch Labor Day?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Kate Winslet or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Box Office Collection: Labor Day
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $18.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $20.3M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Labor Day Budget
The estimated production budget for Labor Day is $18.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Labor Day
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Labor Day Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoLabor Day Parents Guide & Age Rating
2013 AdvisoryWondering about Labor Day age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Labor Day is 111 minutes (1h 51m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.0/10, and global performance metrics, Labor Day is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2013 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Labor Day worth watching?
Labor Day is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 7/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Labor Day parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Labor Day identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Labor Day?
The total duration of Labor Day is 111 minutes, which is approximately 1h 51m long.
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How Labor Day Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Labor Day
***Menaced by a fugitive or relishing a Godsend in New Hampshire?*** A depressed single woman (Kate Winslet) from New Hampshire is compelled to give a questionable man a ride (Josh Brolin) and allows him to briefly recuperate at her verging-on-rundown house where she lives with her son who’s almost 13 (Gattlin Griffith). How will their Labor Day weekend go? James Van Der Beek has a small role as a cop. “Labor Day” (2013) is a superb adult-oriented drama with an understated sense of possible menace mixed with a little romance. There are elements of “A Perfect World” (1993), “The Bridges of Madison County” (1995), “Macho Callahan” (1970) and "The Place Beyond the Pines" (2012). This is a spiritual movie about the tragedies and blisses of the human experience. Masculinity is portrayed in a positive way for a change while not neglecting to illustrate its potential drawbacks. Winslet is excellent in her role; she gets more beautiful as she ages. Meanwhile the stunning Maika Monroe has a peripheral role. The film runs 1 hour, 51 minutes, and was shot mostly in Massachusetts (e.g. Shelburne Falls), as well as Salem, New Hampshire. GRADE: A-
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
